Species

Buxus sinicaKorean Boxwood

2 other cultivars

shrub

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood

Buxus sinica 'Tide Hill'

Same species

Species

Buxus sinicaKorean Boxwood

2 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

18 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Korea

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Korean boxwood is a versatile, hardy evergreen shrub valued for its fine texture and adaptability. It typically maintains good green color through winter. 'Tide Hill' is a distinctive dwarf, spreading cultivar with a mounding, ground-covering habit. It grows much wider than it is tall, making it excellent for edging or massing.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The unique low, spreading habit of 'Tide Hill' creates a soft, flowing texture in the landscape. It's an excellent choice for cascading over walls, edging pathways, or as a foreground plant in mixed borders.

Its dense, ground-hugging nature makes it an effective evergreen groundcover, suppressing weeds and providing year-round interest. It is also useful for stabilizing soil on gentle slopes.

The dense foliage provides cover for ground-dwelling insects and small animals. Its flowers, though small, provide an early-season nectar source for tiny pollinators.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the container.
Gently tease out the roots if they are circling the pot.
Set the plant so its crown is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant 'Tide Hill' where its natural spreading habit can be appreciated without excessive pruning.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones to prevent desiccation.
Perform a soil test and amend to a pH of 6.5-7.2 if needed.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil without amending.
Avoid frequent, heavy shearing which can spoil its natural form.
Do not let mulch touch the base of the plant.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to sparse growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful groundcover shrubFlowing border edgingRock garden foundation

Companion Plants

Nepeta Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Spiraea japonica Lavender Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood questions

What zones can Tide Hill Korean Boxwood grow in?

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tide Hill Korean Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes — Tide Hill Korean Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tide Hill Korean Boxwood bloom?

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tide Hill Korean Boxwood need full sun?

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tide Hill Korean Boxwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tide Hill Korean Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.